Gambia denies signing MOU with Russian politician

Banjul, Gambia ( PANA) – The Gambias government on Monday denied ever signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a Russian politician and businessman, Mr Anton Bakov, who wanted to invest in the West African country.

“The Office of the President informs the general public that it has not signed any memorandum of understanding with Romanov Empire, represented by Arch Chancellor Prince Anton Bakov, who also claims to be Prime Minister, Serene Highness of Romanov Empire,” a statement from Mrs Amie Bojang Cissoho, the State House press officer in Banjul said.

“Mr Anton Bakov has published a fake document as a memorandum of understanding with the government of The Gambia on the public radio of New Zealand - RNZ. This is a false and fake document.”

According to the statement, Mr. Bakov visited President Adama Barrow’s office and expressed interest to invest in tourism in the Gambia.

He was said to have presented a draft MOU dated 13th November 2017 for the Gambian government to consider.

“His proposal was for The Gambia to provide him with 10 square kilometers of land for him to develop an artificial island to be called Bitcity for an annual payment of US$10 million for six years which would total to US$60 million.

“Upon presentation of his investment proposal, the Office of the President referred the matter to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice in a letter dated 15th November 2017.”

Gambia’s Solicitor General and Legal Secretary responded in a letter dated 28 November 2017 with a legal advice against the proposal.

“Furthermore, Mr. Bakov’s proposal has environmental and financial impact. It is not a legitimate project and should not be undertaken by The Gambia. Providing 300 years lease will bind the next ten generations of Gambians in negotiation with a non-existent state,” the statement said.

The statement reiterated that the government did not enter into any memorandum of understanding with either Mr. Anton Bakov or Romanov Empire.
-0- PANA MLJ/MA 11Dec2017